7 Weird Ways to Whiten Teeth Naturally

By Healthtips Now

One of the first things people notice is our teeth. Besides being a beacon of health they are also a sign of confidence. Who doesn’t want to have whiter teeth? A study found that half of people who used chemical whiteners experienced painful side effects. They included blistered gums and tooth pain. Some patients even reported searing pain simply from air exposure while opening their mouths because their gums became very sensitive.(1)  So how can we whiten teeth naturally?

The good news is that you don’t need to use harsh chemicals because there are ways to whiten teeth naturally.

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Among the reasons teeth turn beige, yellow, or brown are:

• Smoking cigarettes
• Drinking tea or coffee
• Eating a poor diet
• Thinning tooth enamel due to aging
• Suffering from dry mouth (saliva protects the enamel)
• Having blocked nasal passages and breathing through mouth
• Genetic factors
• Excessive fluoride intake
• Antibiotic use

7 Home Remedies To Whiten Teeth Naturally

1. Coconut Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an old remedy and a lot of people swear by that helps to whiten teeth. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties. It contains lauric acid that can rid your teeth of bacteria, promote gum health, and help keep your breath fresh. A study published in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Hygiene found that oil-pulling therapy is safe, natural, and has no side effects. (2)

• Take little less than one teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth
• Pull it and swish it between your teeth for 5-20 minutes.

Another option is to add a few drops of coconut oil to your toothbrush and brush it on or to add it to clean wash cloth and rub the teeth with it.

2. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties. It works great as a gum and mouth cleaner and keeps the mouth free of germs. To use it as a mouth rinse:

• use half water and half hydrogen peroxide
• swish it in your mouth for about one minute
•  rinse well

Research shows that due to acting as natural antibacterial/antiseptic agent hydrogen peroxide eliminates bad bacteria and keeps breath fresh. (3)

To make a paste that helps remove plaque from teeth, mix a small amount of baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. You must have enough hydrogen peroxide mixed in with the soda because soda is a gritty substance like sand paper and can scrub the enamel right off your teeth. So make sure that the paste should be runnier, not stiff. Rub your teeth for 30 seconds and rinse well.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

ACV not only that works as a natural antibiotic but also is helpful for removing stains on teeth like from nicotine and coffee. Studies suggest that as a natural teeth whitener it is efficient just as well as commercial products. ACV’s secret is in its high content of acetic acid, magnesium, potassium, enzymes and probiotics that kill bad bacteria in the mouth and nurture the growth of good bacteria.

To whiten teeth naturally with ACV you must be consistent, and to use it continuously at least for a month. After brushing with ACV, rinse out your mouth.

4. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is an absorbing product which traps toxins inside the body. It also can help whiten teeth naturally by absorbing microscopic tidbits and plaque that cause staining.

• Dip your toothbrush into activated charcoal powder
• Brush your teeth as you normally brush especially at the most stained areas
• Swish thoroughly through your mouth with a sip of water and spit
• Rinse well

For best results, repeat this 2-3 times per week, but don’t use it if you have porcelain veneers, crowns, or caps.

5. Orange or Lemon Peels

Similarly to ACV, some people swear that using citrus fruits including orange and lemon peels will also whiten teeth. After the use of orange or lemon peel always rinse your mouth well. You can also use hydrogen rinse formula as described above.

6. Turmeric

This spice can also whiten your teeth. Turmeric has astringent properties that help remove plaque and tighten gums. It also polishes your teeth since it is a mild abrasive.

• Mix 2 parts turmeric powder
• 1 part coconut oil and
• 1 part baking soda
• Put the mixture on your toothbrush and brush for 2 minutes.
• Rinse well

You can do this once a week.

7. Banana peel

The skin of a banana contains high levels of potassium, magnesium, and manganese. All of these help remove teeth stains.

• Use a ripe banana
• Cut a small rectangle piece of the peel
• Rub over your teeth with the inside of the peel for 2 minutes
• Then brush as usual

Repeat this once a week.